1996 - Reunion - Otago and Southland

On Saturday February 12th 1996 more than fifty adults and children gathered at the Three Rivers Hotel in Wyndham to celebrate the 140th anniversary of Alexander Ayson's arrival in New Zealand.  

 

During the meal Robin and Rae Cavanagh (1-3-3) presented a couple of musical items, and greetings were passed on from a number who were not able to be present.  Included amongst these was a greeting from the Principal of Tokomairiro High School Milton outlining the school's link with Alexander Ayson from the early days of settlement in the area, and extending an invitation to any clan member to visit the school.  

 

We drank a Toast to Kim Ayson (3-4-1) from South Africa, who was being married that day, and Trevor (1-5-1) son of Chief Peter, took some photos which were to be forwarded to her with best wishes from the clan.

 

 It was a thrill to have Rosalie (1-3-2) and Bruce Buchanan from Canvastown, Marlborough, and Doris Heal (3-3-4) from Wellington with us for the occasion. We were delighted to meet some cousins who had not been to reunions over recent years, and those who were there for the first time, and look forward to continuing contact with them.

 

Following the meal, we visited the Wyndham Cemetery.

 

Reverend Alan Curtis, Minister of Wyndham Presbyterian Church, gave thanks for the lives of Alexander and Joan Ayson, and Fergus Ayson (shown in photo) assisted by Peter Ayson unveiled a plaque commemorating them as pioneer settlers.

 

Murray Ayson (3-2-1) laid flowers on the grave.  Afterwards some of us spent time looking around the cemetery before returning to Wyndham, and a visit to the Wyndham Historical Society's Museum in the main street.

 

Afternoon tea was served and later any who wished to visit Muriel Davidson's garden at Maple Glen had time to do so.

 

Thanks to all of you who came along, and made it such a special day.

 

 

The Ayson Story. Glenshee to Otago 1853 - 2000